tumult

noun

tu·mult ˈtü-ˌməlt

ˈtyü-

also ˈtə-

Synonyms of tumult

: disorderly agitation or milling about of a crowd usually with uproar and confusion of voices : commotion

: a turbulent uprising : riot

: hubbub, din

: violent agitation of mind or feelings

: a violent outburst

Examples of tumult in a Sentence

We had to shout to be heard over the tumult. The country was in tumult. Her mind was in a tumult of emotions.

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Pedersen is a student of opera performance, and the novel is studded with terms of art, but its most apparent musical influence may be the high tragedy and melancholic tumult of that genre. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 Much like Tinubu’s presidential tenure, the campaign has been dominated by conversations around economic tumult and insecurity. — Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2026 The push is the strongest effort yet to establish federal rules for college athletics and regulate athlete compensation after years of negotiations and tumult. — Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 29 Sep. 2026 Impact on stocks Investors are on watch for how the bond market tumult is impacting stocks. — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tumult

Word History

Etymology

Middle English tumulte, from Anglo-French, from Latin tumultus; perhaps akin to Sanskrit tumula noisy

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of tumult was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Browse Nearby Words

tumulose

tumult

tumultuary

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Tumult.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tumult. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

tumult

noun

tu·mult ˈt(y)ü-ˌməlt

: uproar

a great tumult arose in the stands

: great confusion of mind

tumult

noun

Synonyms of tumult

Examples of tumult in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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